America Online Launches an Original Online Comic Book and Game Based on the Popularity of the 'Princess Natasha' Webisode Series

Business Wire, Dec 21, 2004

DULLES, Va. -- KOL(TM) Kids Service to Also Feature a Second Season of Animated Webisodes

America Online's KOL service, an experience just for kids, in partnership with Animation Collective, today launched an original online comic book series and game based on its "Princess Natasha" animated webisode series. Each full-length comic book, posted each week exclusively at AOL Keyword: Princess Natasha, will follow storylines from the first "Princess Natasha" season and the upcoming new season featuring 10 all-new webisodes. The game sends Natasha on yet another secret mission as she fights for justice against the evil Lubek.

"'Princess Natasha' has already developed a mass following among our kid members and we are confident that the creation of the comic book series and online game will allow more ways for kids to enjoy this fun series," said Malcolm Bird, AOL's Senior Vice President and General Manager, Kids and Teens Programming.

"The popularity of Princess Natasha has shown KOL's ability to build a multimedia kid's brand across a variety of platforms. We're excited to be a part of that," said Larry Schwarz, Animation Collective's CEO.

Throughout the first season, hundreds of thousands of kids have followed the escapades of the strong female heroine in 10- to 15-minute original webisodes jam-packed with action, adventure and humor. Season two's 10 new weekly webisodes continue to follow Princess Natasha's adventures as she captures the invisibility spray, finds Zoravia's stolen national treasure and discovers a double agent.

In addition, two new "Princess Natasha" games will be added to KOL's Online Games Library. "Welcome to Lake Trouble" has Natasha on a mission to capture Lubek and destroy the power station he is building. With Oleg's help, she must kick, punch and jump over Lubek's evil robots and drones. In "Oleg's Super Secret Fort Smashin' Robots," Lubek has built a secret fort that needs to be destroyed. Luckily Oleg has constructed special robots that can smash anything with kids' help.

About "Princess Natasha"

Princess Natasha, the student secret agent, came from the beautiful, friendly country of Zoravia that inspired the quaint town of Fountain Park, IL, to change its name to Zoravia. As the real Princess to the country, she has been charged to go to Zoravia, IL, to find the evil Lubek and stop him from destroying her home country. Watch Princess Natasha through her zany adventures as she becomes an exchange student while doubling as a spy.

About Animation Collective

New York City based Animation Collective is a leader in creating Flash-based animation for television, the Internet, home video and feature films. The company produces programming on a work for hire basis and develops and produces original proprietary properties. The Incredible Crash Dummies, a series of intersticials produced by Animation Collective and 4Kids Entertainment are currently running on the Fox Box on Saturday mornings. Leader Dog and Tortellini Western, two original series produced by the company are currently airing on Nickelodeon's Nicktoons. In addition to Princess Natasha, Animation Collective develops games and produces the Kung Fu Academy web series for KOL.

About KOL(TM) Service for Kids

Winner of the 2004 National Parenting Seal of Approval, The KOL service is the first version of the America Online(R) service designed entirely for kids. Combining exclusive content from industry leading kids' brands and original programming, the KOL service is fully integrated with AOL's award-winning Parental Controls, offering kids a safer and more secure online environment.

About America Online, Inc.

America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services.